People with disabilities are being denied access to rent supplement by the Department of Social Protection, which is affecting their ability to live independently in the community, according to the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH).
The national representative federation for non-profit housing associations has expressed its frustration in trying to resolve the impasse between Government departments, as well as what it sees as a reluctance by the State to address what is becoming a widespread and growing practice across the country.
“Rent supplement is being denied or reduced amounts offered to persons with disabilities, who are tenants of housing associations in supported housing projects – with as few as three tenants sharing accommodation – which are being incorrectly deemed as ‘institutions’ instead of supported community housing,” said the group in a statement.
ICSH executive director Donal McManus also spoke out strongly about this practice.
“These housing schemes are specifically designed and built for the housing needs of people with intellectual disabilities to enable them to live independent lives in community settings, with the necessary care and support,” he said.
“Much needed housing is being left unoccupied at a time of unprecedented housing need. This practice needs to stop, it is inexcusable.”
He added that defining group homes and shared accommodation in the voluntary housing sector as institutions “is incorrect and completely at odds with how these schemes were funded by the Department of the Environment”.
According to McManus, the definition is also contrary to the national disability strategy “which specifically supports special needs individuals becoming tenants, having been approved by the local authorities to live in supported housing within the community.”
The tenants, most of whom have an intellectual disability, and the non-profit housing associations say they have faced what the ICSH describes as “a legal and bureaucratic maze” in trying to get Government departments together to resolve this issue.
“There is huge concern from tenants and their families who are worried for their future housing and it is now imperative that there is a joined up Government response to resolve these issues for vulnerable tenants without delay,” said McManus. “The problem has dragged on for over five years.”
